Murder Mystery comes to GCT

Lovers of murder mystery novels and movies will have the opportunity to be smack in the middle of an enthralling “who dunnit” during an elegant murder mystery three-course dinner at the Golden Chain Theatre Feb. 13 and 14.

“Murderous Crossing” takes place in 1923 on a cruise ship as it crosses the English Channel. A quirky cast played by Jennifer Varner, Jennifer Piccolotti, James Mierky, Ken Ryder, Peter Clarke, Mark Freisen, and Sarah Persson, along with audience members, are passengers on board the HMS Victoria.

The famous Inspector Clurrot has tracked down a homicidal mastermind hiding out on board. Meanwhile, the ship is the vessel of matrimony for Contessa Follette and John D. Rothchild - a marriage encouraged through financial need and murderous greed. But not everything is as it seems, and it turns out that the English Channel isn’t the only thing being crossed. Audience members are recruited to stand in for the best man, bridesmaid, mother of the groom, and father of the bride in this Agatha Christie style comic mystery.

The audience is invited to use their sleuthing abilities to help discover who is responsible for the mysterious deaths that have been occurring. The interactive performance is the first of its kind to be presented in the 48-year history of the Golden Chain Theatre.

“Murderous Crossing” was written by David Landau, and five directors from 2015 Golden Chain productions have collaborated to direct the play - Piccolotti, Mierky, Varner, Persson, and Clarke.

“One of the changes we have made at GCT is paying closer attention to what the community is asking for,” Piccolotti said. “Our yellow comment cards that are filled out by our patrons after each show tell us so much about what we are doing right, and where we can improve. An interactive murder mystery dinner show was a common request. While it’s not conducive for us to serve full dinners at every show, on this special weekend in February our patrons will enjoy a formal three course dinner, a lively night of entertainment, a chance to win a prize with the correct guess of “who dunnit,” and even an opportunity to be a part of our cast for the evening.”

Tickets cost $40 per person (not including alcoholic drinks). The cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner-show at 6 p.m.